Bridges of the Bay Area: past and present

June 28, 2014 4:00 AM

Final stage of construction with decks being extended outward from both Golden Gate Bridge towers.

Final stage of construction with decks being extended outward from both Golden Gate Bridge towers.

Photo: Chronicle Archives, Tidewater Associated Oil Co.

Final stage of construction with decks being extended outward from... Photo-6527545.88765 - SFGate

Image 2 of 21

The Golden Gate bridge is crammed with people during the 50th anniversary celebration held for the historic structure in 1986.

The Golden Gate bridge is crammed with people during the 50th anniversary celebration held for the historic structure in 1986.

Photo: JOHN O'HARA, STAFF

The Golden Gate bridge is crammed with people during the 50th... Photo-6527546.88765 - SFGate

Image 3 of 21

The Post Office joined festivities on the Richmond-San Rafael bridge on Aug. 31, 1956 by sending the old and the new in delivery trucks. Riding the horse cart are postman John Kobert and Richmond postmaster Gust J. Allyn. less

The Post Office joined festivities on the Richmond-San Rafael bridge on Aug. 31, 1956 by sending the old and the new in delivery trucks. Riding the horse cart are postman John Kobert and Richmond postmaster ... more

Photo: Art Frisch, The Chronicle

The Post Office joined festivities on the Richmond-San Rafael... Photo-6527547.88765 - SFGate

Image 4 of 21

The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge on April 22, 1958. It has 36 girdle spans, 289 truss spans and two cantilever spans.

The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge on April 22, 1958. It has 36 girdle spans, 289 truss spans and two cantilever spans.

Photo: The Chronicle, File

The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge on April 22, 1958. It has 36 girdle... Photo-6527548.88765 - SFGate